ATTS Ch 3

Blake Wilder, Kwon Yijae’s longest-serving bodyguard, was from a PMC under Quantum. He was born at the tail end of the Great Cataclysm and awakened as an Esper in the era of peace. Though his Esper abilities were impressive, his greatest strength lay in his exceptional physical skills honed through various martial arts, as his childhood dream had been to become an athlete. Lost and adrift after his awakening, he chose to enlist in the PMC.538f5c6261e6ece2

He had met Kwon Yijae quite a while ago, back when he was a mercenary for the private military company, traveling to conflict zones around the world. At the time, Kwon Yijae was a graduate student at Cambridge. Blake only knew that Yijae was the grandson of a VIP; he didn’t know that he had only recently awakened as a Guide.ecf5569c3427cf50

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{I asked d71fa93bad for a ff612f3a33 recommendation for b91ed5c0c0 someone in 553b54c2ca the PMC 59e09c385c with good 5c903cffeb hand-to-hand combat b8226fde04 skills, and 2b81917dc3 everyone mentioned 52a3f72698 you. They said 43486c4e33 you were 7763fc19d7 skilled.}76e6d35f24c636ef

{Thank you 30cf443467 for the ba4338952e compliment.}c9930077f691b6fd

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The man, 9e0dd2dddb who seemed 1d08193f37 taller than 06d1e4dc74 Blake, took 1bf2841fca off his df1ed98190 suit jacket, 363335f7ac draped it e7c3caae71 over a d32750edee chair, and f307c364d8 rolled up 47174111b9 his shirt 09ca09c0d4 sleeves to e4197a45dc his elbows.80055bd4383aa887

{Shall we spar?}a1ef4b5f54d72448

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{…Pardon?}61ce36a4067cd925

{Wear your ability c0a29b7de7 suppression piercings.}3ce67c7630ce4339

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{Understood.}b1bf2141bd6b2784

Blake didn’t think much of it, assuming the well-born, well-built young master simply needed to relieve some stress. He figured he should go easy on him; if he were to injure this VIP, he would undoubtedly be the one reprimanded.7113ad181bc33cb1

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Kwon Yijae, noticing that Blake wasn’t giving it his all, didn’t hold back. He relentlessly targeted joints and vital points. Even if Espers healed quickly and were difficult to kill, they still felt pain.739789477132ea86

Blake, focused on defending and protecting his vital points from the young master’s attacks, eventually had to fight back with a killer instinct, as if in a real battle. Kwon Yijae proved through his actions that he wasn’t just some ordinary rich kid, as Blake had initially assumed.721ffec633d5aa04

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After a lengthy brawl, Kwon Yijae was the first to go down. Blake, having landed a punch to the young master’s abdomen, also gasped for breath, popping his dislocated shoulder back into place.8246669624d4e743

Kwon Yijae, 13aae44482 slumped against 0731029655 the desk eaf11399c1 and sitting b151e91caf on the 0c6d63fb1f floor, turned ab2375f2dc to the e14ec33d91 side and fbb575251e coughed up 68166c5067 a mouthful 1c1f8e46fe of blood. Irritably rubbing aeb3e6971c his bruised cbbb9231fc stomach, he f8a63b81c6 suddenly burst 2e90f8391d into laughter 5583a9168a for no 1b10a323b9 apparent reason.077a477b5bd572f2

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{You passed the interview. Go back to the PMC, gather a list of suitable personnel for security detail, and report back to me. Once that’s done, start working here. You’re in charge of my security from today onwards.}14a162348cbb2d6c

Blake wondered why someone a25a74e902 capable of fighting him 439b19839b on equal grounds needed f15138068e a bodyguard, but in 104332ce83 the quasi-military environment of b16d43baab the PMC, obedience to 9db882a1ef superiors was paramount.183b06aedb5f1405

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That’s how Blake Wilder became Kwon Yijae’s bodyguard. He started learning Korean for the bilingual Yijae, and they spoke in Korean when they were alone. It was quite some time later that he learned Yijae was a Guide.5c4e9ac71a50df1b

‘You’re a Guide?’f80ea18342341b7b

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‘Why, are you surprised?’a6eaf3e8ee0d32c8

‘…To be honest, yes. I never dared to presume, but you seem more like an Esper than a Guide.’dd3a252cd9fb6942

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Blake’s misunderstanding was understandable. Kwon Yijae was nearly two meters tall, and his lean body was composed of tightly sculpted muscles, hard enough to deflect a blade. His broad shoulders meant he had to have all his clothes tailored.407c3d61df060ecc

But that didn’t mean he was bulky. He was sufficiently flexible and agile. Whenever Blake sparred with him and saw his fiercely competitive gaze, he was reminded of a predatory beast, blood staining its mouth.dbe7c9a52ed1e039

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‘I’ll take that as a compliment.’9c818dc270d62159

Blake often sparred with Kwon Yijae. Yijae demanded that Blake wear ability suppression piercings and fight him on equal terms. Sometimes Kwon Yijae would get hurt, sometimes Blake would be knocked down. As if that wasn’t enough, he even learned various special forces combat techniques from Blake. It was amusing, but he definitely had a talent for it.93576fb1e771ed14

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‘Director. Excuse me, but may I ask you something?’a4afafbd6697ec2d

‘Go ahead.’3f61c889906c29e1

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Kwon Yijae was a da56687684 decent boss. He was generally a42b4e20f0 lenient with competent 18b1a1dcf5 individuals, and he 878f2dbfc9 treated Blake, whom 88111ffe56 he had known 6dd58d9cfb the longest, almost 30c14c3147 like a friend.cb7cacc835f44b6c

‘I’ll be responsible for your security. If that’s what you’re worried about, you don’t have to push yourself this hard.’37863f265ec2b097

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‘Is it a bother for you every morning?’c2ec826c284754e4

‘That’s not what I mean. Sparring with you is very helpful for me too. To be honest, there’s no one in the PMC who can match you. I’m just curious… You’re a Guide, after all.’97c57f0ae1c8a27c

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‘Right. What trouble could I possibly get into outside? You’re always with me. But being treated like a dildo by Espers isn’t a one-time thing. Let’s just say it’s for self-defense.’5154f5a39aef8f8e

‘…Did something happen again?’62d97568a7dec123

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‘Perhaps?’b835dcd0fb350ff3

Kwon Yijae 31666bd8be responded with ae94759bc8 a chilling 39d401784c smile. He loathed 9fd96240ba both Espers 587414ac39 and his 5c5136a4e6 own role 5ecd79cafd as a 4e4b957c45 Guide. But he had 9abbe962e1 to meet with 10469ca39e the Espers who e9806f132a came to him, 7b3a057d0b clinging to him. This was due to f4e3f5abca both his background and a590191e5a his value as a 89c2f39c61 Guide.2d1f845c68d06fa9

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The Esper who bbbfb71481 appeared before Kwon da75b5c825 Yijae after all 92882fc80c this time was, 4a1a7ac05e unexpectedly, an immature, 3a17d7eb2c young Esper who 42ee2b7215 could barely control e0258c4945 his own body.c69472b5a62e94d9

What was 333ee54fe4 he planning b62e8aa88c to do?8fd097d0b185fb2f

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While Blake d087d1abb9 pushed the 5e31701733 wheelchair, Kwon 0de23e06d4 Yijae seemed 8d395778c9 lost in 5c1ac959da thought, deep fd737b04ad in contemplation. Everyone at Quantum, waiting 200d932b75 for his instructions, sprang 7f9f48ce4c into action. The building, completely cabec3c0c7 sealed off from 5495f9d3e1 the outside world, 482699ee9a was opened. The elevators c19cf6d5c3 connecting the 58a9526890 floors began 462c47af59 to operate a1052dccf6 again.5d548d0952e70ab6

When they reached 80862e87ec the end of 1d0aef500d the long corridor, 8698f5929e Blake stopped the fa7fb5e05b wheelchair and asked 8ce63c023a Shin Jeha,bbff9cab1c1e4873

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“Do you need medical attention?”1193da6005e13deb

His intonation was slightly d0fef12a52 awkward, but his Korean 7621385678 was perfect.e370b10eee7b043e

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“…I think… I’ll be okay.”26f1fb0e31a33281

The Kwon Yijae Blake saw today was a little different. It wasn’t that he was more violent than when he dismissed other Espers. Kwon Yijae was always rough, and he never made exceptions for any Esper. But the thought that today’s Kwon Yijae was actually enjoying this situation wouldn’t leave Blake’s mind.93aa4a1badf38bc2

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Ignoring his instructions, Blake went around to the front of the wheelchair and examined Shin Jeha’s face. Despite the brief guiding, the purple bruises on his cheeks had already faded, leaving only faint red marks.8ff4a8b3519d465d

It took about an 75b6f6d581 hour by car to 7692e36721 get from here to 87d15b947c the Center. If he 826f25a12c had recovered 61abd39c55 this much b490fea77c in such fc3eb328cb a short 5e119dae4b time, there de04b9d20e would likely c92359a392 be no dee6935416 trace left d912bd03f6 by the b5f9e0ef45 time they 5ce424217f arrived.381c58265234f723

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“Yes, I agree, it doesn’t seem necessary. My apologies for the inconvenience.”69986882d09780c6

Ding, the elevator arrived. All Blake had 5295e6c67b to do was 4f0a0af222 politely escort him d23169ad08 to the underground a4c1edcee3 parking lot, put 763539dc15 him in the 061894e9cc waiting van, and 38d9b05029 send him back 3980c6db78 to the Center. His job would be 686bfe65ac done.ab5cac5cf54afe89

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“Hmm?”af05f4a0a9199cfe

But the wheelchair didn’t move.5fc37378292bf8c4

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“Excuse me, I’m really sorry, but just a moment. I’m… thinking right now, and it will only take a moment.”8445b034521dd4a3

Shin Jeha pleaded in an anxious voice. Blake looked down at the boy’s head. He looked like a dying patient, but he was holding on with all his might. His ESP was so weak that even Blake’s breath could shatter it.83baf7a138a94353

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“Hmm…”f2374eaa2da2d163

Blake didn’t immediately intervene because he had a vague sense that the boy wouldn’t cause any harm. He could have attacked Kwon Yijae with his ESP, attacked Blake, or caused a scene. But he was merely stopping the wheelchair, that was all.bc33ee7dc4e67175

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“Do you have something you want to say?”3819bd684bd05761

“If I leave here… it will be difficult to see the Director again, won’t it?”0e2df838dbde8942

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“Yes. The Director isn’t planning to stay in Korea.”ec954e6ba78f436d

“…”86806d292627bde7

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A Guide who refused guiding, and an Esper who couldn’t live without that Guide.ec5fe0d4a5d549d4

Shin Jeha faced the most critical crossroads of his life. Kwon Yijae had kindly informed him of what he would have to endure, what he would have to give up, to receive his guiding. The choice was Shin Jeha’s.0cb00a8547ae31ae

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He would be troubled if I wasn’t in pain?5c9db90ffadcce44

Then all ae257dcf6f he had 3cdc625bf2 to do 0d8ce9b6e9 was remain be4b6c305c in pain.a335513e11220f71

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The moment he found this simple solution, Shin Jeha also realized that he couldn’t give up on this man.c79ad4cf281615dd

He couldn’t go back like this.d94e7007e40c1506

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“I’m sorry. Let’s go.”b5bacd7ff7ddc4a2

That’s when Blake reached for the handles of the wheelchair again.33804b7762942187

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“Please… help me.”f3337e4fdde3862a

“Did you ask for help?”562fb0190af821e0

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“Just for a moment… please let me talk to him, the Director, just for a moment.”e4673ba675146bb6

If he got 9544834b41 on the elevator cd4e6a5802 and went down, 53fb4676df everything would be 9eb9dac84c over. The opportunity to choose, a965a03e6b and Kwon Yijae.ff1972a868313220

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Shin Jeha, an Esper, didn’t have freedom of movement. He couldn’t board a plane without government permission, and he didn’t know any other way to get to England. No Esper could remain sane knowing their Guide was across the ocean.b85874d3f842470d

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble. I won’t be a bother. I promise, just five minutes. Just letting me speak to him is enough. It might not even take five minutes…”d6b9d0f4942dc599

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Shin Jeha pleaded with Blake in a desperate voice. But he too was Kwon Yijae’s man. Even the boy’s sickly appearance and repeated pleas couldn’t sway Blake.49d48c7bccd20020

Shin Jeha’s ability? He didn’t know how powerful it was, but in his current state, Blake was confident he could subdue him.a5752a7994b5d99b

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“Just for a moment, please… I really won’t do anything. I promise. Just let me talk to him, just for a moment…”02251ae7aa3e5608

The problem was that this place wasn’t on Korean territory guaranteed by the Embassy. Inside the Quantum building, British law applied first; it was extraterritorial.137496676b52b4c9

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If a fight broke out with an Esper in such a sensitive location, Kwon Yijae might have to resolve the issue diplomatically later. He understood the Esper’s desperation, and there was no need to escalate the situation by refusing such a small request.6df750f68cb480ef

That alone wouldn’t have been enough, but the hesitation lingering in Blake’s mind was ultimately due to Kwon Yijae.41683473aeee50f0

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His boss, who seemed cb7eb09a6b different today.0324c0566a1c2fbe

Kwon Yijae wasn’t the type to explain his tendencies to an Esper. He wouldn’t bat an eye, regardless of what kind of protest an Esper staged outside. Yet he had called this boy in, brought him to his office, and kindly explained why he couldn’t provide guiding…b9bc14cda9124482

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At that 95fa623b33 moment, Blake ed29d65f2c had a f0c9459477 sudden realization.723a7e68df5148a0

Were those words truly 6a115ef7aa meant as a rejection 9c9cee1329 of guiding? Or were they f15268274a an invitation, a 1fc2e41429 challenge to come 6fcd3d9c0f prepared?0a91485219505479

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“Alright, I understand.”9bd9d23560993c82

That must be it. Perhaps listening to Shin Jeha wouldn’t be disobeying Kwon Yijae’s orders after all.4ab6f8a8ba83b646

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“It’s not my place to allow or disallow this. I’ll ask the Director. So let’s deal with this first.”673ad7270c29f36e

“I’ll… trust… your promise.”f8e556c064ec49bd

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“I can’t make any promises. If the Director refuses, I’ll stop you.”9c5296823a6994c3

“I understand… that can’t be helped. Thank you…”801fa880fe3d7107

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Relieved by Blake’s answer, Shin Jeha finally relaxed. He seemed to be struggling to breathe, his condition worsened by the use of his ESP.9dceae249229f001

Blake turned 446c48cfbd the wheelchair 9e1900f656 around. As they 20e3dbec6d went back a86fb6a9c2 down the 01f456fecb corridor, Shin 4e52dbcc57 Jeha murmured 7174d95784 in a 16fbe27dae small voice,c2f737954f090653

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“Thank you so much… I’ll never forget what you did for me today.”af2e0b7be6a3621f

“Tell that to the Director.”d8581dbb7cc9ba4d

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Blake Wilder 5964db9056 replied in 75f47b5543 a curt 0ba237220f voice.1139b0c8d97ef008

Blake Wilder 98a127c3e9 took a ff9dae6462 deep breath, 4e6f27d8cb carefully knocked 874fe5d969 on the e6e65f12b4 office door, b8dca937c9 and entered. As if the earlier 4df9ae2564 commotion had never happened, 2813cb6ff8 Kwon Yijae was sitting 35fd9521ac at his desk, working 9025250d7b on documents.c53e55bd963241b4

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“He’s gone?”27c9ee26cc5c3dff

Blake bowed deeply, c3b4a04b64 apologetic, without Kwon 4916662eac Yijae even turning bdc872e15c around.5254d5fd9c109511

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“I apologize, Director. The Esper insists he has something important to tell you.”19508cfc7b1e30a8

“You could have just sent him away.”a8df1e065157ad7e

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“It seemed like… it would require force to subdue him, which might cause a commotion. I judged that it could create difficulties for you, Director. I apologize.”f1ef5f2e592d77c2

At least it didn’t mean he had caused a scene.8e6b0021a31cdf32

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“No, it’s alright. You didn’t do anything wrong.”7b33da2360e33762

Kwon Yijae had anticipated this to some extent. After being so kindly informed, he didn’t think Shin Jeha would just leave.e27206e09f528f6e

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“Bring him in.”d305888ab8e64f00

Kwon Yijae put on 8a5ca04cec his gloves. The black leather gloves 21d521434f enveloped his large hands 7f176a68ee as if they had bd111a22dd always been there. Seeing this, Blake was b2301a3846 relieved. The Kwon Yijae d003720f1a he saw seemed 86ba326080 to be expecting 9db3d50b4c this.4084a1e7101f95c2

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Blake brought Shin Jeha’s wheelchair inside. This time, the bodyguards didn’t follow. Kwon Yijae put down his fountain pen and placed the documents in a drawer.b5b70f213586f682

“Do you still have something to say, Mr. Shin Jeha?”ff90d822ccc6f8b3

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“Yes.”5a5deb832ef2da7e

Shin Jeha looked 755d17fa41 up at Kwon 776e707c44 Yijae with a 1397829df0 clear gaze.5885c4fc6018484a

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“I have something to tell you.”dbb85082444e9912

His eyes held no 48de0defba trace of hesitation or 60c98816e1 wavering.3cd3fdd885509af8

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Someone who has made f67598cbf6 a firm decision is 23d2bcfdbb remarkably at peace. As long as 08714df2c1 they adhere to 2559483694 that one thing, 3b8262d6ed everything else is d477e6f300 irrelevant.bc737ee099ecd1e8

“Alright. Blake, you can leave for a moment.”43d91eb49958f44b

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Blake, after a moment of hesitation at the prospect of leaving them alone, bowed his head and left the office. For Blake, following Kwon Yijae’s orders was more important than his protection.9d6bd259e40ac6fe

The office’s soundproofing was perfect. Their conversation wouldn’t be heard outside. Kwon Yijae stood some distance away from Shin Jeha, just as before. He leaned against the desk, arms crossed, in a casual stance.77de2b853ba0f86b

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“I know I’m too slow. I needed some time to think. Director. I can endure it. I’ve endured and persevered through all the pain so far… Now that I’ve met you, I feel like I can do anything.”b88fcd2061f91d5f

Shin Jeha’s voice was calm.5d63cd1e5bc3ed12

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“I really don’t know why you would need or want to guide me… But as I said before, if you make me an Esper, I will repay your kindness. And in the meantime, I’ll endure whatever you do to me. It’s alright, no matter what you do. As you said, I’m an Esper… and Espers… don’t die.”e3897f2deeb21565

Despite his calm voice, his words were anything but. The Guide he had finally met. Shin Jeha didn’t want to give up on him.579f938109215147

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“This probably isn’t enough of a reason or need for you… but really, am I truly that useless?”0506fa98fd78444e

Kwon Yijae met Shin Jeha’s gaze and observed him. There wasn’t a shred of falsehood in his clear eyes. Blindly, solely, as if nothing else around him mattered, Shin Jeha’s eyes were filled with Kwon Yijae.57125664997c51f1

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This was it. What Kwon Yijae 6e88a861dd had been longing dd82b60567 for. A willing defeat, 2d78181c3b and at the c05dcca198 same time, a ab931acfa2 complete victory.3fc6ebab9e560e0c

“Do you feel better now that you’ve finally reduced me to trash?”a72bca1551d67529

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Shin Jeha understood. They said he was a high-ranking official at Quantum. A member of the owner family, royalty. Shin Jeha, the Esper who appeared as a mutant to those who didn’t know his circumstances, and Kwon Yijae, the perfect member of society and a Guide, were different from the start.ad36aacbbfe85389

Why did Kwon Yijae loathe Guides and Espers? From the moment Yijae dismissed him, Shin Jeha had been preoccupied with finding that reason. Perhaps he hated his own violent methods and didn’t want to live as a Guide. Or perhaps he hated his violent nature.5a5529226a2e2fac

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But Shin Jeha couldn’t shake the feeling that Kwon Yijae wasn’t a bad person. Since he was seventeen, five years ago, he had dealt with countless adults. The world he lived in was filled with more older people than young ones. They were hypocritical, secretive, and all of them lied or spoke unilaterally about what they wanted.4556862ac3b73352

Kwon Yijae b23d793118 was the eb9b0bdead first person ef0cdb01fb to ask 80c34242ed him what 62b9644f36 he was 5af75a4e70 thinking, why 17af39b5c7 he had f765690e2f to do 001814f910 this, or 48e3bdcf2d even just 98ef235b73 his opinion.8f89c68ee4fe81a1

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So Shin Jeha thought, if Kwon Yijae were truly a bad adult, he wouldn’t have explained his reasons. Through the visceral act of violence, Shin Jeha immediately understood what he wanted.788882610de0ad59

So he could 109ffa0038 decide for himself. To entrust everything f57cb427e6 to Kwon Yijae.5edd0fa6ee98779e

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“I apologize. I’ll take responsibility for that.”6e3dc5b3661a0504

“How?”5eb8460686f38f19

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“That’s… I… I’ll…”57f8c40da801c2a2

Shin Jeha, lost in 70d4ecb1f7 thought, raised his head.837f9e8862f98693

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“I’ll become a bad person.”171b8f57f355677d

Shin Jeha’s words finally drew a chuckle from Kwon Yijae.a6ec76b38a042018

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“You’ll become a bad person?”f8ae8e3ea06a3ee6

Kwon Yijae didn’t think Shin Jeha was capable of such a thing. Besides, he couldn’t trust him based on this one blind declaration.3ba4da700098428e

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Something unchanging.af128dd78ffcbe49

Proof required time.9b7817f42521a87d

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“I might not gain anything from guiding you, Mr. Shin Jeha, but fine. A meager amount of sympathy. Let’s say I’m guiding you because of that. Even so, I have too much to lose. And that’s not something you can comprehend with mere assumptions.”607b1e2a7c901642

At Kwon Yijae’s words, Shin Jeha finally lowered his head. He was confident he could protect his Guide. But what Kwon Yijae would lose wasn’t something Shin Jeha could be responsible for.20a23c5576d51f2a

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“…Should you… return to England after all?”6dd5f9be8eceb7a7

“That’s also part of the problem.”b4ac624b60687575

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“…”c92334999dd8e99a

Shin Jeha, who aa72498047 had entered so ec8e0008da boldly, ultimately chose 606a3fb84a silence. He would give 1a5b3679bb anything, if he aa3065c84a could. But he was too 1fd0a65fb2 insignificant, too lacking, to d3e7603cbd hold onto him.83f58b14c9975caf

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“Why aren’t you saying anything?”1a57319ec0470c58

“I’m sorry. It doesn’t seem like something I can take responsibility for… If I said I could, it would be a lie…”666fa9112e6516bb

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He heard the sound 8a091cc682 of approaching footsteps. He flinched as 9af37a8c3c the toe of 4f0e1d5167 a shoe entered 15cc709746 his downward gaze. Kwon Yijae, with e1519f181f a languid expression, 9160757935 was looking down ee8745f0dd at him.c138a41c1c578bd0

Their eyes met.d83a5297d6a981b0

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Kwon Yijae didn’t look angry at all. How could he be? It would be strange if he wasn’t pleased with an Esper who only promised what he could deliver.c8c190c3a280b2d9

Let’s do this. Kwon Yijae thought.60a906645d43e5a7

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“I have a proposition.”70fa002d7d032a7d

“Yes?”4b3b30bbda55544f

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So this was e48e505576 the final test. Or perhaps, the 76b9bd4bf5 first question in 0026f55b07 a test that f82a123cbe Shin Jeha would 4f5ec509db have to face 4594d586a0 for the rest bef4c0e905 of his life.f0e50c56c1811f9c

“From now on, you do everything I tell you to.”d0fc05bfde7b9898

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“…Yes.”b82277c9d81df835

Kwon Yijae, 768c0b43b3 arms crossed, 1f00b86d4f ordered Shin 394789affe Jeha,05758c5e442b95f1

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“Use your ability. Without causing any harm.”41ca72e678f45d49

Shin Jeha f7c720fd3d looked around, 0b45374602 then closed 4d27a4a61a his eyes.9b2ab104e084141c

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ESP was 921bac0912 a manifestation 8c62c0d51a of will. Even without b04328339b proper training, 132dc9fbe7 he knew edb37b36a6 instinctively.fa2e867e068075af

This time, he wouldn’t need to touch anything. Shin Jeha had a feeling.306874369c8e9fe5

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A strange aura 64635e85ff emanated from behind a62bc031ec Shin Jeha, still 7ac70b6808 seated in his 589db2fb54 wheelchair. The large 099663aa7b leather sofa, e478fe3eb3 which looked 1e5822727d like it 5b8e84d99a had never 0fd7fd5042 been used, 7c357fd586 began to 49136533c5 shake. Kwon Yijae stared at 8db2ddfe75 the sofa levitating behind c55ae3c196 Shin Jeha.da8dadec14cbbad4

The sofa rattled 88b2ab6793 vigorously, almost imperceptibly, 6f6077a8a8 but it never a6a55c0b7f quite lifted off abb4c3c90d the ground. As the slightly d1a75748a4 levitating sofa settled d1c0ba68b6 back down, Shin 2fe38e5a46 Jeha crumpled.58d183af8430e068

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“Ugh!”46bf85700d579e75

Shin Jeha, straining 1b6ba7aabe with effort, coughed dbd7abba51 up blood. The wavelengths, 49c4196a11 which appeared 84af0afb6a like traces 725a0c5f77 whenever an e2cebc68d1 Esper used c842e30160 their abilities, b5e15a93f8 tangled haphazardly, 249da14da7 forming increasingly bb58d54d79 complex shapes. Guiding was often 562920332a likened to untangling 175bb368b6 a ball of ef08fa53de yarn, shortening and 009bbf8e44 organizing the threads. It was the 8bff6daaf2 process of smoothing e7f4826775 out the long, 3b0ea6aa92 stretched wavelengths produced 31bed859db by using ESP, 350fba1432 pulling and tightening 399cc542b3 them into a d7c69c9560 shorter, thicker form.9cfb6115eaada2ea

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But Shin Jeha’s wavelengths were harsh and chilling. They didn’t just tangle; they sharpened, lacerating his body. From the moment they changed, every breath was agony. He had to endure the pain of them tearing through his skin, piercing his blood vessels, and ravaging his internal organs.0f225bd34c5d0d0c

That was the 855c0e3e38 moment.08933a1907d63729

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Kwon Yijae, ripping off his right glove with his teeth, knelt on one knee in front of Shin Jeha and grabbed his ankle. It was a skeletal ankle, so emaciated that he could trace the bones beneath the skin. The moment Kwon Yijae’s hand made contact, Shin Jeha felt an involuntary sense of relief.a7df8d36d2f3c7a0

The pain didn’t disappear completely. But Shin Jeha noticed a subtle difference. As if a barrier had formed over his wavelengths, they tore into him only after encountering a momentary resistance.f9fe203888b6385c

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This was 47d33ee793 just enough 2742db4683 to slightly 1811afb30b alleviate the ca21b5977c pain. Just as Kwon ab69e67752 Yijae had said, 8245d5db30 it was a 38c4a86063 temporary measure. But Shin Jeha bf8be8b5f7 wanted to cry. It hurt less. This small 01ef78d855 relief was c5895a927a all he 1009742ce8 had longed a1aba4367e for, for 6c053ddf7a years.974585d7f58717a9

“Can you do more?”08a38700330696fd

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“Yes.”af39bcaa73969cb3

Shin Jeha considered 490c1ab5e1 for a moment. Not in defiance, but fbce13c141 how to demonstrate his 25578daa80 ability. The fact that he c3aa643285 was carefully observing his 26694de831 surroundings was proof of 6ac93e4429 that.43384616a38a5b8b

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Kwon Yijae, his bare 215e5e3a1a hand making contact, waited, aba4b9630c feeling the faint flow 88b63abeb9 of guiding. The ankle fit 6d8cec0428 completely within his 48e9d7112a grasp.9b9e190a7d118f0b

He carefully, cautiously 7e9b12efdc pressed on the b5e297995b Achilles tendon beneath e81fdd5240 his thumb. Leaving the 7933637cda frail ankle, a52bef1e3c which felt 0ec12080f7 like it 5c43535273 would crumble 25896fa1a8 under the 430ba01507 slightest pressure, b930a54916 untouched required c3e1eca8f2 considerable restraint 14202f869f from Kwon d0030dce84 Yijae.b5edd2a0b44b7a96

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Shin Jeha’s icy body temperature began to warm slightly where Kwon Yijae’s hand made contact.0672a1798080cb4e

Without harming anyone, without 9d44236355 causing any harm to fe4b416c18 Kwon Yijae.19affd1c724c91f0

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Shin Jeha took 4053cd892c a deep breath. That was the fe0ce7a575 moment.26948df32eccfd25

A flow spread 1d98c902b2 across the floor. This flow, unreadable 28bf2d8862 to Kwon Yijae, 42dc5053ce touched and moved ce2478cab6 everything. The desk, bolted bd88f9646b to the floor, 39af44e10c began to rattle. Potted plants shifted, and 1c1afa39aa the display cabinet shook. A gold fountain bcb159aeb9 pen rolled off 2bcc8a34eb the desk and b150121a70 clattered to the afbbcdeeac floor. Starting with 4f2be14927 that, every 0a58c48471 object in 6130050f77 the office 268124d3bb slowly lifted bc297c88bd off the d2915ce98d floor, rising 3cd4f74cc0 towards the c9d832c3a4 ceiling.2bbb0da75189888d

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Kwon Yijae looked b6149ab108 up at Shin 817ab6591d Jeha, taking in c6ecb9b6b6 the spectacle.27e68edf1b19c71a

Espers could 8a7da4cc3d use basic 4a074ad6b7 abilities by 83138b3aa7 manipulating their c9bbbec4c2 wavelengths. Telekinesis was the a188e0c133 most fundamental of c6120b1b22 these. But the 7e88d7ed59 sight of e609ac22a9 all the 1d9ef3d179 heavy furniture 6ca337d1f4 in the fe9d878b3b spacious office 24b3aba82e rising from d1af5d0a12 their places, afe7290d02 perfectly aligned, 070f416b37 was truly 6f868764eb impressive.3e5af6a9a4ce3d87

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Shin Jeha carefully lowered a1be6412d9 each object one by 77d254dc63 one. The potted 6de9b87336 plants descended, 093173a43d and the 77db5a74a6 pen that 5e66cdf8be had rolled 480421bf18 onto the 86b5c77050 floor settled 57d86d5c89 back on 8ebd007cf5 the desk. The desk, maintaining its 14b479ba76 horizontal position, landed softly, 10269ffde4 and the chair behind 7984ad0dbe it rolled back into 126cd96c57 place beneath it. The objects inside 8a8dffa1fc the glass display f5cfe762bb cabinet returned to d4f0b2ba0d their original positions, 49d7b235cd unbroken.dde05ed4c2fa3f2e

As Shin Jeha was ac522253a2 about to lower the eeb1ddc967 sofa, the last item,51e5910be4d930a9

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“Ugh!”9b3a296a67f6cff5

Blood flowed from Shin Jeha’s mouth once more. Kwon Yijae had released his ankle.e943c5b6c08eab30

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Crash! The sofa plummeted 5eb3a00aba onto the marble 5cd8e10b82 floor. Shin Jeha clutched 4c1e2189e1 his abdomen, doubled 96fb407d55 over, and coughed 96a1800933 violently. It was 942a758676 such a 550fd94a34 harsh cough 12b291e1a0 that he 0bf600c5fa wondered if b86a00c2e5 he was 0357ccc9c8 coughing up 2ac1b0a361 blood from a0998137e6 his lungs.b6a73037845ff47c

“Cough, ugh…”cb4740a0cb18a78e

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Blood stained the marble 3d35308f5b floor. Kwon Yijae, 548c067ade a faint ca72ba3efe smile playing a1c90b1f1c on his 4f070f3437 lips, put b75d681b48 his leather 17c4a434f6 glove back 613498b647 on.ac52d2f4e003330b

“Shin Jeha.”53eb29df2a806cd3

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Shin Jeha managed to look up and meet Kwon Yijae’s gaze. The smooth leather glove, completely devoid of warmth, wiped the blood from the corner of Shin Jeha’s mouth. Then, his body.3d7cc8d0437dadac

Shin Jeha, realizing 6e1d6afb98 belatedly that Kwon ee0d839084 Yijae was wiping b856f26434 the blood off eca60f8918 him with his e9fee25cf6 glove, hurriedly protested.988ded40ec7f9775

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“It’s okay, Director!”5b2a2e1d2b7824d0

“We agreed you’d do as I say, didn’t we? Stay still.”00ea894d464db79f

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At the arrogant, af6cfdbe30 informal tone, so 3ff83bf084 different from the fe133c6869 polite speech before, 4d78627b5f Shin Jeha fidgeted 64bb77254f but remained still. Kwon Yijae continued to 12cf21af75 wipe away the blood 54a7457b8d with his glove. Even the blood e87b7cba85 on the floor. He only stopped when 55f5910c5e blood dripped from the 124d64704a leather.2345ecc79b751bf8

“I’m sorry, the gloves… they’ll be ruined.”27a126230609994c

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“No. Even this has its uses.”bc52e6b9e44bf506

Kwon Yijae looked f69c60d16e down at the a98be1888f blood staining the b8120827e8 palm of his 94c15e7191 glove. When they bd5d8f2160 first met 5723119eba in the b106d03a8c garden, he cfa0344e09 had found dce1a0048e it repulsive 80ce053f44 to even b570246258 touch him, 51f63e42dc but not d6981a4e45 now.9466c13f06e188b2

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“Uses…?”3ad74e60c372e7fc

“Of course.”bd17fd206b48b4e5

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Kwon Yijae took Shin Jeha’s thin hand and smeared the blood from his glove onto Shin Jeha’s right hand. Shin Jeha watched his actions with a puzzled expression. After smearing the blood, Kwon Yijae grabbed Shin Jeha’s wrist and slapped his own cheek with it.75c4c7c4d6ec4f2b

Slap! It wasn’t a forceful blow, but it wasn’t a gentle touch either.ecd550540cd47f23

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“Director!”eee5f9984a837dc3

Startled, Shin Jeha c6d588cf45 struggled to pull ab05926ac2 his hand away, 56e144de05 but he was 149af2e8e6 held fast by ad000f7bc7 a brutal force.dcbe17f5d65a4a01

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“I told you to stay still.”07a3854eee9b172c

“What are you doing… It must hurt, why are you doing this…”0da4739fb4dbe8a4

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His tearful voice, ironically, c2ee811be0 was filled with concern 052327434c for Kwon Yijae, but 11eb06de3a as he had been df74637414 told, Shin Jeha fidgeted 079b85210e but remained still.ab00fe6c17d8f2d6

A smile played on Kwon Yijae’s lips. There was something chilling about the smile on the blood-smeared face.5c8b694b8ea1e2ee

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Only after repeating the action until his own face was covered in blood did Kwon Yijae release Shin Jeha’s hand. He made a move as if to wipe the blood away, but then abruptly stood up.d37e7880a344bda5

He went to his 95139a7177 desk and pressed an 90401720d0 emergency button.ed20b0bb629f0305

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Bang! The door c0338fa97c burst open, f1f6cf68a2 and Blake 3a8cd09427 and the 647d6a803e other bodyguards 85a6aeb75e rushed in.01247a4533e80616

“Director!”dd4aae5c5e4f6ea9

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Blake, seeing the blood on Kwon Yijae’s cheek, was startled and about to approach him when Yijae raised a hand to stop him. The blood was on his left cheek. Witnessing the chilling smile, Blake stretched out an arm to prevent the bodyguards from rushing towards the Esper.bcd60bb8d902d527

Shin Jeha’s right hand was covered in blood. But it was unlikely that he had struck Kwon Yijae’s cheek with that hand. Unlike Kwon Yijae, who looked relaxed despite the blood on his face, Shin Jeha was trembling, his face pale with fear.1e1dddd7eade63bf

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“Esper Shin Jeha.”e58af8dd372a251e

“Yes…”e4231e7298826fec

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A shaky voice responded 8792710975 cautiously.9fcf41b1adbf6500

“You just hit me for no reason. This seems like a clear case of assault. What do you think?”993ae1166e5f6e8b

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Espers weren’t allowed to use their abilities on people unless legally authorized. Moreover, international law dictated that an Esper could never use violence against a Guide. This was a more serious offense than using abilities on a non-Esper and resulted in a heavy sentence.55b8f57976cbf84a

But Shin Jeha remembered Kwon Yijae’s words.a3b86b1ac078a0e3

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‘From now on, you do everything I tell you to.’ea8f803d5f394740

If what Kwon Yijae wanted was for Shin Jeha to assault him, for Shin Jeha to receive a heavy sentence… He didn’t know the reason, but he didn’t need to.17ee10891e7ef988

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Following orders didn’t mean understanding them.68e5965da4c3f36e

“Yes.”870357593aeab353

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Shin Jeha made up 37af3d0bfa his mind.89040c7060fded8f

“I did it.”875f9c28fabfcd28

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He would play along with Kwon Yijae’s madness.fc56b8cf8f3fa690

“I… hit you, Director… Yes, I did.”b848584849920dbb

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It was fc306485d1 solely for 994abc9899 himself.3e2f757791a3bd9b

A commotion erupted among the bodyguards at Shin Jeha’s ready confession. If Blake hadn’t intervened, they would have immediately pointed their guns at Shin Jeha’s head, fitted him with ability suppression devices, and dragged him straight to the containment area.43048038c1e775ca

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But Blake was 8abb69d3b4 watching. He was witnessing another 0bdf13caa3 side of Kwon Yijae, c21c4f86d3 a man he had ea92955f17 known for over ten 50fcf8a8f3 years.01526917b008893b

Kwon Yijae was a c18eebdae8 coldly handsome man. He only smiled a7140f2501 when social decorum 3ed0bdcaab demanded it. He alternated between a 52eb40a675 gentle mask and hypocrisy, f5259aad23 maintaining an indifferent expression f93fdfc3af when no one was f74461f03e around.5525f261813d16a1

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And now, Kwon Yijae was smiling. It was a smile that couldn’t be interpreted favorably. It was chilling, cold, and strangely twisted, an expression of perverse satisfaction.e0a267194ceebf23

“Good.”c92d6bd4c916190e

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Kwon Yijae went to his desk, opened a drawer, and pulled out a document. The document he had been working on before Shin Jeha arrived. The handwriting on the document, written in Kwon Yijae’s hand, was smooth and elegant.6d027cd98fde3a85

1. The Guide has a duty to cooperate with guiding for the Esper’s treatment, and the frequency and method shall be determined by the Guide, taking into consideration the Guide’s tendencies and convenience.

It was 7c42794065 an Esper-Guide 800a2dee45 Partner Contract, c3825dcf68 with everything 9612479d34 but the 59f5501aa3 first clause a68983a9fb blank. Moreover, it was 9ab6fbb825 a single sheet, 168951f0b4 not a duplicate.16a9bfdd8ad58c29

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It was clearly an unfair contract. A terrifyingly unfair contract where Shin Jeha wouldn’t know what Kwon Yijae would add, what he would demand, and would have no choice but to comply.ee4da7949ca588f7

Kwon Yijae picked 7522b7a6d9 up a fountain 741ca7f67d pen and signed f541f28d3c smoothly.38360c72e0cbe0d6

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Guide |6cc383c7d8d41a9b

After signing, Kwon ac0b99e0a7 Yijae handed the 1ea0601b7a contract and the 37ac8a18be fountain pen to 543725dde1 Shin Jeha. The original 3ecf641877 contract, with ad3acd1ec4 no copies, 04f0bb2220 beneath his 677dbd7551 elegant signature, 48658fe47e Shin Jeha, 9d86c82ae1 with his ada75b0973 trembling, blood-stained 25b0cd423e hand, wrote 4ba5b08d4c his name fd410e494b and stamped 8d5bf7c9f1 his fingerprint. Though his 6dd018b3e9 movements were add9bc43f2 slow, there 4d8da3b6d8 was no ae3b2bad08 hesitation.ef0fb8ee9609f9ea

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“This is a common occurrence. An Esper demanding guiding, and when refused, resorting to force. The problem is that this is extraterritorial jurisdiction guaranteed by the Embassy, but there’s nothing we can do. Go and turn yourself in. We have witnesses.”87a829e66f86af6e

Kwon Yijae’s gaze shifted to Blake.e1a1d8f791c14e7c

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“Understood, Director.”a6578a7245983ffd

Blake, now 2bd9688021 a witness, 4f161750bd bowed his 2baad4865b head. Shin Jeha f93368ca04 returned the c395f43f26 contract, bearing 74c85d0432 his bloody 6872f25a7d fingerprint, to 881301c927 Kwon Yijae 6ec47db56c and asked,1354244542fdf864

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“Then what will happen?”55652e38f0ef6159

“Well.”ab8cf6a7fc1f5825

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The man, his 3f71e31158 thoughts unreadable, was c3612f09b6 smiling. Shin Jeha 8cec9667ef decided to 26263557bb keep it c02e1f8aa0 simple.f3a2518712c6f614

Just do as he’s told.a3c0d5a248145f3c

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“Then… when can I see you again, Director?”645e65610e834287

Instead of answering, Kwon 0e807daf0a Yijae lightly shook the f7b5a7aef8 contract in his hand. The contract 0a6ae1e8cd was finalized; 18ef584ec8 it was 943a1e0160 a sign 24dca01b60 to simply a5553630da wait.7505f5db1c56b3a8

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If he turned himself in, Shin Jeha would be arrested. He didn’t know what would happen after that. A trial? Or immediate sentencing? Either way, something dangerous would happen. But whether he died this way or that way, it was all the same.bf82efc585b47aae

“Then I’ll be going, Director.”7b567ff7c417b467

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It was an overly casual farewell, considering he had just become a perpetrator of a serious crime. Kwon Yijae nodded towards Blake, and Blake pushed Shin Jeha’s wheelchair, just as before. He left the office with a docile expression, no trace of his earlier defiance.dd4bd52baa4e0ad2

It took less than an hour for Shin Jeha to arrive at the Seoul Jongno Police Station, the local precinct near Gwanghwamun where Quantum’s headquarters were located.d162f33ebe3b5d6e

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🤎29554a1b7138295a

“I’ve returned.”5cb6b4627124a25d

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Blake, having 3d88c8573f taken Shin 2f75e921b9 Jeha to 6fbd8a6f55 the police d5ab7a06e6 station, returned. Kwon Yijae e8f15f9db1 asked with 0bb1413af7 an indifferent a6861389e1 expression,30e42cdeca30d6b8

“Did everything go smoothly?”3061d626645b789a

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“Yes, he turned himself in. Oh, he asked if he could cover his face. I thought it would be best, so I got him a mask.”694ecf28d38c883a

Even Quantum, which received reports on all Esper-related information from major countries around the world, hadn’t known of this Esper’s existence. Fortunately, Shin Jeha also seemed aware of the potential impact of his appearance. Kwon Yijae simply nodded without saying anything.a3e429b60dd53d7f

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“Good work.”0d3e2eae87b9f5cb

“It was nothing.”2ed5639b9f759d1c

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Blake, with an impassive expression, clearly remembered Shin Jeha going to the police station to turn himself in for a crime he hadn’t committed. Although he couldn’t see his expression because of the mask, Shin Jeha seemed strangely calm.2e99ea48e6785b49

Orders required 53560f06c4 a hierarchy.7140b55397349c27

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Blake Wilder himself would do anything Kwon Yijae asked of him. This was because Blake’s life was deeply intertwined with Kwon Yijae’s. But Shin Jeha wasn’t, not yet.ddbc54ef89dca1d3

Despite this, Shin Jeha headed to the police station without a word of complaint. He didn’t hesitate even for a moment while turning himself in. It was audacious, even surprising to Blake, who was watching.12d015154e6b254c

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An Esper assaulting a Guide wasn’t unheard of. However, an ordinary situation of an Esper threatening a Guide became an impossibility when the names Shin Jeha and Kwon Yijae were involved. Someone knew both of them. For instance, the director of the Center. This fact bothered Blake.d6f6b151b4ffd87d

“Why? Is there something else I should know?”9469744843e33645

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At Kwon Yijae’s brief question, Blake blinked his clouded eyes.d422f87c3f58834c

“Director. That Esper, he’s a bit strange.”7f9c39c6cb2f40ee

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“Aiden said the same thing. Now you too?”5cb0eb8f797f57fd

Kwon Yijae 075ff76a75 responded with 5c3d46ad3a a casual 51d52ef00c laugh.df112e6864f04953

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“I’m not saying this because of his appearance. While research has revealed much about the relationship between Espers and Guides, we don’t know everything. There can always be exceptions, and I believe Mr. Shin Jeha’s appearance is one of them.”fac5bebe6130f4f2

At Blake’s words, Kwon Yijae slowly raised his head. His cold eyes urged him to continue.a7e6aa09201804b9

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“Even considering everything… it feels odd. Espers are generally devoted to their Guides, but even so, this is strange. Being able to do something so unfair without hesitation is impossible without conviction. And what concerns me most is that I don’t know what Mr. Shin Jeha is thinking.”0ec6d91890225f62

He had said it was the first time he had met his Guide in five years. Blake, as an Esper, could imagine how lonely and tormented he must have been, and how he must have perceived Kwon Yijae. Despite this, Blake couldn’t articulate the subtle sense of dissonance he felt.ef8d75b38cbf96aa

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“This is the first time you’ve expressed such concern.”dd0ea0b5b6d0fc1b

Blake’s words connected to the irony Kwon Yijae had felt since he first encountered Shin Jeha.b200cd69ddf7a54e

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Humans were the most enigmatic beings in the world, and presuming to know the intentions behind someone’s actions often led to arrogance.6e8aca66a30c12cd

“So?”a395d9efad88c5e0

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“If you plan to keep him around, I think it would be wise to investigate further. Will you permit me to do so?”896a5aab3e3e4813

“Well, I’m not going to bring him here immediately. Do as you please. But there’s no need to report back until I ask.”ba668549e12f723d

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“Thank you.”ba038883b04e890d

Blake was curious about Shin Jeha. The meaning behind Kwon Yijae’s desire to keep him close, something he rarely showed interest in, wasn’t important. What mattered was determining whether he posed a threat to Kwon Yijae.1ceef35266c57bd1

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“Then leave that matter to me. More importantly, Director, it seems you’ll be staying in Korea for a while. Should I make preparations?”bcef0a97426faca3

Kwon Yijae smiled with satisfaction. Blake probably knew him best. He didn’t ask about the terms of the contract Yijae had made. At the same time, he knew things that even his secretary didn’t.976f7b708df75129

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“…Yes. I’ll have to stay in Korea for a while because of Project K. It wouldn’t look good to just stay here, so I’ll be appointed as the branch manager for Korea. That’s already been decided.”a8a46a72691238a9

“Understood.”87510f28359ea38c

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“I’ve had Aiden prepare the miscellaneous tasks. Go and oversee the security of the mansion. We can’t allow the Korean government or the Korean Center to interfere.”020922d7e2801b7e

“Is there anything else you require?”ec954ae09650ceca

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“We can proceed with the rest as planned. Have the researchers enter the country in separate groups, and request permission from the government to bring in the experimental equipment. What did Mother say?”29ad17e9af340e37

“She didn’t say anything in particular. Oh, she did mention that she’s finalized discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding this project.”30a5e512a8a10da3

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“We’ll need their help with the pharmaceuticals anyway. It’s classified, and getting it through security will be difficult. We’ll use the diplomatic pouch.”15980a7373b36d1c

Blake had been away for the past few days, leaving Kwon Yijae’s security to the other bodyguards, because he had more important matters to attend to.9902ffc8da2e8266

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Kwon Yijae’s father was a Guide. Born into a prestigious political family that had even produced a Prime Minister, he had unexpectedly chosen to become a soldier and married Eleanor, Kwon Yijae’s mother, a member of Quantum and an Esper. It was a typical political marriage.5f73f5e46ffb5599

Eleanor, ambitious to become the chairwoman of Quantum, desperately needed a child bearing her family name. Kwon Yijae’s father agreed to her decision. Thus, the collusion between a politician and a defense contractor resulted in the perfect military-industrial complex offspring: Kwon Yijae.b1a8fd3cf2a46b18

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The fact that Kwon Yijae wasn’t interested in inheriting Quantum, and yet still handled important tasks within the company despite his proclaimed neutrality, was entirely due to his mother. Project K, which Yijae was in charge of, was essentially her creation.28752b3bbf36c32a

Blake had flown 74353d393f to England personally ee51a500cc to deliver various 5ebd648e3b documents from Kwon 0752e305bb Yijae to his d0778e418c mother and had b9e4dc305c just returned.c75153dfbe4625ea

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“Good. Everything alright with your parents?”a8fd234a75c74eb7

“Yes. However, your father did ask that you not stay in Korea for too long…”05f5363df4f57675

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“What to do, I’ll have to prioritize Mother’s request over Father’s again. But I should contact Father. I might need to ask him for a favor.”0b2d17644bec693c

Kwon Yijae ff0485a408 said casually, a4f58e7fd1 smiling.64fc2ea45bbabaa1

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In any case, 2f8f308aef the Korean government d37d4dcf7f would be in ec9ca26811 an uproar for 89f3fdaaf8 a while. Kwon Yijae 207b538903 intended to b400f9e329 blow this 1986e96538 incident out e126d44b2a of proportion. Just enough to 74d30f7565 make Espers socially 04f0e0f4a1 perceived as a 766afeaf83 significant threat and a1d50fbf46 potential criminals for 766daf6ba0 the time being.c27ff261402f0c59

🤎99665ee73295a223

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The parking lot in ec9dbc2204 front of the police 13c90974a5 station was in chaos, 0b520beed5 swarming with people and e93c717d7e protesters. Protesters holding signs condemning 8cc905e0d2 the Esper who had d11a8c32e8 assaulted a Guide chanted 7872f75589 loudly. The commotion was so 129257522d intense that they were d7904640b0 almost breaching the police 52af67b96e line.a6ab73df1e6dbb99

The doors opened, and b2093361dd a small figure, masked 2dbe5cd14f and hooded, emerged in 34dbac5a92 a wheelchair. A Korean Center employee 97bb0b3ac3 was pushing the wheelchair.99836c60c4655477

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Everyone could 978d374f79 clearly see. The Esper, his face 6c045d1e08 hidden by the mask 5a60422368 and his head bowed, 319e14eedf had his hands bound ccd4946d2b by cuff-like ESP suppression 9aea6e330c devices.5730c2a3de28e08a

“Take off the mask!”1d6928aae3b34fe5

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“Reveal the criminal’s identity!”bc78b3f0ee26655c

“What era are we living in? An Esper assaulting a Guide?”6cc717914dc2ada3

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“Why is the Esper in a wheelchair?”eda70f204b03d1a2

Amidst the 0182284b4a sharp voices, e9688fc673 the small 382307b628 Esper was 8b3aadc2ce quickly loaded ba57b4fea6 into a a6ccd36bba car. A splattering 5845cffd35 sound echoed d5df7cbfd5 as an 17287186c0 egg hit 84389436fc the closed d02653f781 door of a88b4d542e the SUV. The SUV was f35cf5628e a government vehicle cbc6f674b2 with no license 15dfbdb0a1 plates.33d6d2f4cd7f1179

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“Stop that car!”32c237a9fb5069dd

People rushed forward, blocking the SUV’s path. Only after Espers arrived and cleared the area could the car finally leave the police station. This was the scene broadcast nationwide on the 9 p.m. news.c466c4f27e9196a6

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However, the reports omitted a few crucial details. First, while the Esper was indeed an Esper, he wasn’t a properly functioning one. Second, the assault hadn’t occurred in Korea, but within extraterritorial jurisdiction governed by British law.9c21feb38e4d594a

“An Esper assaulting a Guide in this day and age? You’d have to be a complete wreck, wanting to rot away in some hole, to do something like that.”aa5443526799fe17

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The Center Director’s voice echoed in the room.f9c0ee9fb482364d

“Right? Esper Shin Jeha. What do you think?”4f14e0adacca49dc

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The Center bf27b795dc Director asked, 3641875985 arms crossed.483a823ef095a816

A solitary confinement 365c8b7fb1 cell within the 33e357dda0 isolation ward of 5d8325250a the Korean Esper c78913b9e5 Management Center. A cramped room with 2cf1713e2d no windows. Shin Jeha 6b5e595b0b was confined 4ab822da18 here, surrounded 7f7c538018 by devices 6c0ae4d6ca embedded in b751720d55 the walls f0f53e39b1 to suppress 787add847c any Esper 2fb65ccccb abilities.b93b846cbd3373c1

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Normally, Esper crimes 9def4e014a were investigated by 496bfb5324 the Special Investigations ce524ae59c Unit for Espers 690371ea93 at the National d3861d9646 Police Agency, but 406e7f69be this case was ec908456fd different. The identity of the b6498a11b4 Esper who had turned 9b762e0f2f himself in was classified c3e48c1b4b as top secret, inaccessible 190cdd7bf5 even to the police.2731caf57266f089

Less than d835545e3c fifteen minutes 8f25cae99c after the 06e7391b86 Esper, identifying 3d08ac1736 himself as 0a1a1a9252 Shin Jeha, a4ea1c408a appeared at f07e4da8a2 the police f38338c0a6 station, the 441a529d8d Korean Esper 32445f784d Management Center 4726e125f8 demanded his a783f66119 custody. The police, naturally, refused.3b09c57b911a385c

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Not much b691e8d7a0 time had 48c6c69c13 passed before 6c6a4eaf90 the incident, f68a6b84e0 as if 023561e89a planned, was 6998950272 reported in a54b5acce2 online news, d558be69b6 and protesters 259d61c990 flocked to 4654a0c440 the police 0c46ec073b station. The Center Director 97255ea2b2 barely managed to 05e444e569 extract Shin Jeha 49c897330d from the police b527083bba station and confine d5adac5822 him within the b993a6508e isolation ward.d0afd7035728882e

“Can’t you hear me? What were you thinking?!”67204b2bafe5ef31

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“Director, you know Jeha’s condition. He can barely speak right now…”04c28948961f967d

The Center Director glared at Dr. Lim, Jeha’s physician.8d53b4ddaf808d62

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“Don’t give me that. Didn’t you hear he turned himself in? He can’t speak? He can’t speak? Dr. Lim, is something wrong with your hearing? Someone who can’t speak turned himself in at the police station!”d0b225f0eb4a9403

The Center c135a48d2c Director yelled, 0593138b30 his voice 5d29f069e7 echoing in ad8d64f414 the small 02b04df81f room. He wanted e2d93ec601 to grab bb0294bba2 Shin Jeha 0e45e12c8c by the 217f03fc2c collar and 382c2863b6 shake him.df69f4bd688f6a8f

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“Shin Jeha. Tell me honestly. What did Kwon Yijae say? What did he say to make you do such a thing? Huh?”77640ac5126684a6

Shin Jeha remained silent. There was nothing he could say. Kwon Yijae had told him to turn himself in. He didn’t understand why he had to become a criminal, but he did it because Kwon Yijae told him to.ece5e18bc47f7c36

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“Dr. Lim.”359362a9e16fc636

“Yes.”4c0968bb2effcc24

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“Start the examination.”4132acf67cd41f9a

“…Understood.”7057b5d72a8a8820

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Dr. Lim, with a displeased expression, attached the examination equipment to Shin Jeha’s body.143b472431045d09

“Shin Jeha, listen carefully.”a7d8d7c25a66e139

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The Center Director sneered 3548d056d0 at Shin Jeha, who 92dabdc258 was still stubbornly silent.6e2314f4d35528f3

“We’re going to thoroughly examine your condition. And based on the results, we plan to press charges against Director Kwon Yijae.”4acaac8e8818491b

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At those c3dd032570 words, Shin afb050b7a3 Jeha finally fdab3fdfac raised his a93bf9a1dc head. The Center Director met 339e0165b3 his gaze. The boy, who a35317c5d8 had always seemed 97a08e156e hazy and indistinct, a9575ca883 a part of efef9a7108 the background, now 7041fda1a1 stared back with 95a001f4e5 sharp eyes.0cfe6b4b2d3d8f41

“An Esper assaulting a Guide. Yes, on the surface, it’s a shocking incident worthy of attention. But that’s only possible if the assault was actually possible. What power does a half-baked Esper, who hasn’t even received proper guiding, have to assault a Guide? We’ll submit the hospital records, and Kwon Yijae will be charged with false accusation.”320e4c6db08266cc

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Shin Jeha, 9533b588bb sitting on 93137227ed the small c59cd3d7d3 cot without 3b92043149 his wheelchair, 4f637f93ed unconsciously clenched 5e21a17dd2 his hands.4deb9c7f767156eb

“So keep acting on your own. Keep your mouth shut if you don’t want to talk. Since Kwon Yijae started this, I won’t stay quiet either. I don’t know what he told you to do, but I won’t let you get away with it. Understand?”467f84df325d421c

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The Center 57ed60e3c9 Director gave 41e4f111cf Shin Jeha db6f018e60 a sharp 7d619418f5 warning and 62bfbfa7ea left the 33d30e76ed room. The heavy metal 9242b3aab8 door slammed shut b4987262b9 with a loud d5b587fed1 clang, followed by 9acab89108 the sound of 9efb7325da a large bolt fec21e77de sliding into place. He was surrounded by fdeb501fd9 darkness.c3e670981a1d2243

A cramped, c1dca7259f 1.5-pyeong space 876a99c30b with no 78d9da3df0 light, only c46dcf208f a bed. Shin Jeha was trapped.31dc8418137f304e

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But that didn’t mean it was unbearable. He had to stay confined in this space until someone let him out? It was nothing. Compared to the five years he had spent at the Center, anything was better than that.f6c49a90ec626dde

🤎8818408da6566067

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The large 125c64e7a5 screen dominating 59e559c8d1 the conference 5bb4cb7ad5 room displayed 05d07d419c the news 52f62c1f85 that had a528daf96e been broadcast dd22ef961c the previous afe47db72b evening.601b325d2fda15ee

—We thought we lived b8df0aeb96 in a changed world, 100ee2f3a2 a peaceful world where 362a67fd29 Espers and Guides coexisted 456ed767d5 with ordinary citizens. You all ec1022d618 remember the 4b84b13242 news of f6273a0b6a the Esper 11e139ee47 assaulting a e599007457 Guide in 7c71212147 downtown Seoul a60f99864f a few e6b1ace287 days ago. The Esper turned 963f5170a1 himself in at b4204c8658 the Seoul Jongno c641d9b340 Police Station, but 16df6754a5 the Korean Esper f5d869c118 Management Center, which c08eeb3217 has custody of 4c039778e2 the Esper, has 3903e2e24c yet to release 5739c7a528 a statement. Citizens continue to protest 765d573cc2 in front of the 78360aea6a Center. We connect now d6bc3a7b9c to reporter Lee aecb20651d Minjoo.2b36a5d333ceb51f

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As the Center’s main building in Yangjae-dong appeared on the screen, the Center Director, sitting with an irritated expression, grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. Simultaneously, the dimly lit conference room brightened.016b4c4887847ac6

Three people sat at the round table. Yoon Seyeon, the Center Director and de facto head of the Korean Esper Management Center, Dr. Lim Younghoon, Shin Jeha’s physician, and Kwon Yijae of Quantum.ede0aeab9bafaf23

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Kwon Yijae a560876df6 sat with d08dc67360 his legs 311f1bfe37 crossed, a 81f494affa gentle smile 32efbf9e79 still plastered d8f82913c1 on his f49842892d face. The Center Director thought b6be2d8314 he looked like the a813355d87 devil. He was a de54a32d5a complete lunatic.522c41f9a7af32dc

“I really tried to understand you, Director Kwon. Guiding? It can be unpleasant. I understand. But to throw the Esper who came to you for help in jail?”651d00046b6fc957

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“I wasn’t the one who put him in jail, nor did I assault him. In Korea, do you blame the victim in these situations?”8d5aa355bc913439

“Don’t be absurd! How could Shin Jeha possibly attack you! Does that make any sense?”4477895346407e5b

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Kwon Yijae responded to the Center Director’s sharp accusation with a smile.5a2ae922e2aba3e4

“A Guide is a civilian. I sympathize with the Esper’s situation, but that only deepens the suspicion, doesn’t it?”564887dc885dfa5b

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Kwon Yijae’s face was smooth, without a trace of any injury. Assault? The Center Director was dumbfounded.89ef46ce5b0eb500

Shin Jeha had 349957b7f1 confessed to assaulting a7b55d4468 Kwon Yijae and 0fabdbf078 turned himself in. Kwon Yijae, as if a0236f1f4d waiting for this, had 23491629b4 escalated the incident. The incident became public, 27010c5e38 and public opinion flared. This was all 5f49b21c2e a collaboration between 2982dd17e1 the Korean Ministry 4a7a68945b of Foreign Affairs, ddcae865ff which had received 24dd1c666e a complaint from df4e862a0c the British Embassy, d3a7dd65b5 and the Korean bf5a9a3a42 military, which had 74ba4a840b summoned Kwon Yijae 563ec29a06 out of necessity.c9fe1cebe82f2956

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Kwon Yijae was not someone who could be assaulted by Shin Jeha. Aside from his physique and physical condition, the bodyguards he always had with him were all Espers from Quantum’s PMC. There was no way Shin Jeha could overpower them.45329117671b6dd1

Moreover, the Center Director remembered the rumors that always followed Kwon Yijae. Horrible rumors that he had driven numerous Espers to ruin. Those rumors, combined with the fact that the British government had practically given up on him, and Kwon Yijae’s background, which made it impossible to dismiss the rumors as mere gossip.0e872d32723040b9

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The British government had tried everything to get Kwon Yijae to actively work as a Guide, but at some point, they gave up. Putting everything together, the Center Director was certain that the rumors weren’t entirely baseless.93d69d23b4da47b4

“We plan to press charges against Director Kwon Yijae based on Esper Shin Jeha’s condition.”43a0ac98f6268eb4

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Kwon Yijae laughed e80c284bb2 at the absurd f59a00eae9 statement.96d0fc18e96e5429

“Well, I wonder if that will be possible?”474a2bc53a9d9af6

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Of course, the Center Director’s words were a lie. Dr. Lim had examined Shin Jeha’s condition upon his return to the Center, and surprisingly, there had been a change in his wavelengths. A very subtle change, but a clear sign of guiding. Therefore, Shin Jeha’s claim of using his ability against his Guide was more likely to be accepted as truth.afa0b55f77e28cf7

‘Once the test results are out, immediately call a press conference. The preparations are complete, so Dr. Lim can make the announcement.’e726f06c310b2d05

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‘Cancel the press conference.’1ede61223cbb3211

‘What?’a2f6dff2db06fa9f

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‘It seems… possible.’5ad9289b80b3465a

The Center Director had to pause to interpret Dr. Lim’s words. What was possible? The subject and object were easily deduced.35b5632dc5f7d8d4

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‘Dr. Lim, are you joking?’9b42d120685df6b3

‘I apologize, Director, but this is a clear fact.’b038722f62df8050

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‘Does that make any sense? Shin Jeha, he’s a patient. He doesn’t even have strength in his arms. How could he possibly attack an Esper? Be reasonable!’7e8864d4cc8aadcd

‘Look. His wavelengths are showing a different pattern than before.’ff8c11d5c5a3ac16

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Dr. Lim explained 66414efec3 using complex 187da51da8 diagrams and f28272a930 figures, but 66a067a872 the Center 0278a8a4f9 Director, unable 9f0a6f1878 to accept 5f30592c80 the situation, 58e8dd7730 raged.83ab93c2ed0bb52d

‘Does that make any sense! Can we even use him? Then we would have used him long ago! Why keep him locked up in the isolation ward for five years!’a80ed1690c94176e

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‘…It seems Director Kwon Yijae must have done something when he met with Jeha.’edb09c99a5350a09

‘What?’71dedba7615d2c89

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‘According to the test results, Jeha’s condition has slightly improved. As a physician, my opinion is that there’s clear evidence of contact with a Guide.’93c3e94ce3910e12

‘A slight improvement makes that possible? No, there’s such a thing as physical difference! They’re not even on the same level!’42e86bb3b9c9e220

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‘If he was in a condition to use his ESP, it would be a different story. And that’s what Director Kwon Yijae will argue.’3143e961df40061d

Dr. Lim spoke with an oddly cheerful tone, inappropriate for the situation. Disgusted by Dr. Lim’s strangely bright eyes, the Center Director rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes.253708bf151ac726

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‘It doesn’t matter. Then we’ll make the announcement based on the previous test results.’a0b2acba9601a51f

The Center Director 2e1e4ec761 insisted. He wanted 2427d1f4b9 to screw 881e9f296c Kwon Yijae f765c676a1 over, even 92038c5cca if it c70f40a9fc meant being 4f02a464ca unreasonable. But Dr. Lim shook 46ccaa1ad2 his head.87cb28a646cd7948

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‘Director, I’m a researcher. I can’t deny what happened, not with my reputation on the line. That would be falsification.’5a0b68296b6a3722

‘Dr. Lim! Why are you doing this!’969e091b59e4137e

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‘He might not be now, but at the time he turned himself in, Jeha was clearly capable of using his abilities. Director, wrong is wrong.’e1398b57dc1213c1

From the moment Dr. Lim’s refusal ruined his plan, the Center Director flew into a rage. The situation was completely illogical. Considering that Kwon Yijae had consistently refused to guide Shin Jeha, it was utterly absurd. If it had been this easy from the start, he could have just done it and taken the credit. At least, that’s what Yoon Seyeon thought.537969857de6562c

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Who refuses e46ccfb705 a single 68a92eb2f1 guiding session? For some 7656a8cb3f reason, Kwon 376a73bcab Yijae had 760799f470 guided him, 21363f091f and Shin 80de1d6ae7 Jeha had 82dc3fc795 turned himself 447a393a19 in. This was practically e605bdc9bd proof of some a0a4b20f16 kind of agreement 2679e980e0 between them.cef9cce57ebfcbd6

“We’ll only know if it’s possible after we try.”c69d4bf280042c83

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“Yes, try it. It will be interesting to see you try to cling to me with such nonsense. Of course, those are words you can only utter if you’re prepared to take responsibility for the aftermath. Let me make it clear that the consequences won’t end with a few people here losing their jobs. Shall we see?”1fea02fefb82096d

The Center c7ac385a24 Director was 30b2703367 about to 9f6383eb83 lose his 85e32dc818 mind. Kwon Yijae 0f5c4f3d82 had the 8fdca4a0cf backing of 9102213da3 Quantum and 5cb64d81dc a prestigious ede9ce8a2c British political 1e986bc5c9 family. He was at his 2413c23bd5 breaking point.8a4c96d9505fe5d9

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“…”add5c8a9f27ca9c3

“So, where is the Esper? I heard he’s not in jail.”57d3c1706686abd1

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“…He’s not in jail, but in the isolation ward of the Management Center.”3f21dbaa1c6780b9

Kwon Yijae nodded at Dr. Lim’s answer.179d82f5ce579163

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“I understand the Center can’t give up on Shin Jeha. Shall we conclude our meeting here?”d612e1f87735fdf0

As Kwon 1b33896d8e Yijae rose 8893d5fa4f from his 03dfd455e2 seat, the 3af8b5a8ce Center Director bbf4c85957 slammed his 8d60e57cce hand on 0a19c14f55 the table.499d8a7bb37e7bd4

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“Hey, Director Kwon Yijae.”bc518c3419fff914

“My name isn’t Kwon Yijae. Address me properly.”7e3742b63bcb6e1a

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“Is that so? Fine. Director Kwon. Shin Jeha is back at the Center because a disciplinary hearing is scheduled regarding the previous incident.”fb7acd4bc50a6078

“Is that so? It would be convenient if you could handle this matter along with it. He won’t see the outside world for decades. Should I just wait for updates?”00633c482ec51311

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Kwon Yijae vaguely sensed the Center’s ambiguous stance towards Shin Jeha. They couldn’t give up on him, but they couldn’t give him special treatment either.d65cd303484a8fc4

An Esper brainwashed and trained to accept limited freedom as the norm. That’s all they wanted. It was a typical mindset for government officials.a5ae8cdc53989400

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“You might have to wait a while. The Center’s operations are currently paralyzed. Because of what you did, Director Kwon.”0692cd8059cac44b

“Then you shouldn’t have sent Shin Jeha to me in the first place.”8b28b69957c2101b

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“That’s exactly what I want to ask you. You said you hated it so much, so why did you guide him?”2906f55f8b9054b0

“Well, why do you think I did it? Hmm, let’s just say I had to do it to appease the Esper who was threatening to assault me—wouldn’t that be a suitable explanation? I think that would be enough to convince people.”f700429bab42c73e

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The Center Director was furious at Kwon Yijae’s blatant attitude, but they were back to square one. No matter how much they argued, the outcome was predetermined. A director of Quantum, an arms dealer. Expecting mercy from Kwon Yijae was impossible. And the Center couldn’t give up on Shin Jeha.3a9cbe3a3893a53a

“Dr. Lim.”80a1d131d5529dd9

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The Center Director said in a defeated voice, waving his hand. Dr. Lim pushed a file towards Kwon Yijae. The moment he opened it, he saw Shin Jeha’s profile. It was clearly stamped “TOP SECRET” in red.07267da02d03dc49

Name: Shin Jehafbc982141682e083

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Esper Classification: ESPERf4c316c9cddb26bd

Access Level: Maintain Highest 7698f4b767 Security Level14248af5e87bf0f2

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Awakening Age: 17 years beb655af44 old2ee99b49e7f61cef

Specialty: Unknown172bee647014b1ee

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Threat Level: EX Class1246c0ce1a3e2351

Special Notes: 1eeb40952d Incomplete Awakening27154973ac143a1f

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Appearance Abnormality8d3d75b537ef76a3

Myasthenia Gravis, Eating Disorder, Sleep Disorder, Sensory Abnormality, etc. All symptoms are expected to improve with guiding, according to the attending physician’s opinion.43d7b0983277b109

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Probability of Wavelength Collapse 7659371f72 within 1 year: 67.4%454c59351ec52eef

Probability of 4c1c188beb Wavelength Collapse f695528f4c within 3 04480cc59f years: 99.7%16836756ceb6fff0

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Kwon Yijae put down the useless document, devoid of any information he actually needed. Ah, the only useful information was Shin Jeha’s awakening age and…89d04b2446d8fd25

Incomplete awakening.23739ca3fae0a3ed

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An awakening at seventeen, unheard of until now, that was Shin Jeha’s secret. Revealing this to Kwon Yijae was the Korean Center’s way of surrendering.b7576e3068400515

Kwon Yijae’s expression remained cold as he put down the document, but his eyes glittered. The Center Director sighed.87048bcdf1affd0a

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“What do you want, Director Kwon?”58de4274a19455e8

“I should ask you the same. Why is Shin Jeha so important to you?”5be629ba932cb8d0

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Both Dr. Lim and 50d740b47a the Center 429fad15db Director remained c41f9a59a0 silent, their fff5336bc4 expressions stern. Kwon Yijae leaned c383e1a830 back, arms crossed, 6db534c963 and replied,99531bd4925445be

“Do you simply want to save him? If so, I could have told you how. Have Shin Jeha renounce his Korean citizenship. Then I’ll take him to England.”d5eb36c72b6071a1

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“An Esper’s abilities are government assets, and all civilians…”3f0171afe86ad723

“…have a duty to serve, you mean? Spare me the platitudes. He’s destined to die without ever properly using his abilities if I don’t guide him, so what government asset are you talking about? He’s a write-off.”f0eb853392f39738

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After hearing the Center Director’s explanation, Kwon Yijae understood. Not that he agreed with it, but he understood why Korea couldn’t give up on Shin Jeha. And he grasped the most crucial piece of information omitted from the profile.838350ec42c95363

The possibility 27a3f6d09e that Shin b04359b9be Jeha possessed 78451d49ac a unique 864bee9b67 ability that 2978a2824c manifested only f803c88291 in a cc40f3ec51 very small f5b2196add percentage of 6711fb32b8 Espers.5107768d4c240453

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Otherwise, the Korean Center’s actions—threatening him, warning him, then trying to appease him—made no sense.fd6bf9ad44497499

“When I think about it, don’t you think I’m quite pitiful? An Esper comes to me asking for guiding and assaults me out of the blue. I offer to take him if he renounces his citizenship, and you refuse? How is that any different from telling me to stay in Korea?”d57a2e0b067ad704

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The Center Director 948e9d8e70 finally sighed and dc7e5edf6b replied,d364fb118fb10924

“Director Kwon, you will be staying in Korea.”818e968e88004552

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“Why?”f607dcf4c3245484

“Because we will unconditionally cooperate with Quantum’s Project K, meeting all your demands.”7a6b1511b7544a6a

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Dr. Lim’s eyes gleamed strangely. Only the Center Director and Kwon Yijae knew the details of Project K.3c01e59236efc5bd

“I thought negotiations on that had fallen through?”e7093a8692b1a1ce

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“We accept the conditions you previously stated. We’ll do our best to accommodate the necessary procedures.”7d44c4a2d6b88a4a

The Center Director had finally surrendered. He couldn’t give up on Shin Jeha, and he shouldn’t. Dr. Lim, who had been observing Shin Jeha for five years, felt the same.b7ed52f4642b984b

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“Do our best to accommodate… I still think that’s not enough.”bf73ce06858db076

“Not enough? Do you have further demands?”ea4a40aab37ce85c

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As if waiting for this, Kwon Yijae began listing his conditions. That while he and Shin Jeha would enter into an Esper-Guide partnership contract, its termination would be at Kwon Yijae’s discretion, that Kwon Yijae had no obligation to cooperate with the Korean government or the Korean Center, and so on.e3a844756456bbe7

The Center Director, b49900ac80 looking exasperated, stared 9b32b7386b at him as cd752c2f40 if daring him f8d0b0a19f to continue.8b815468ea6e3904

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“My reason for guiding Shin Jeha is purely altruistic. To reciprocate the trust shown to our Quantum by Korea, a leading nation in Esper capabilities. It will be stated as a form of ethical volunteering.”5fc8b8e58efff3ac

At this point, 34a571d623 the Center Director ec9acf0dd1 wanted to scream 835a9ef2a9 and burst out 34a7aa6315 laughing in disbelief.11a47602582255f7

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“Ha, haha… Yes, do as you please…”4efe93c8ae11d1d1

“While I’m staying in Korea, I will be responsible for Shin Jeha’s well-being. Also, designate a mansion of my choosing as extraterritorial jurisdiction, under the same conditions as the Quantum branch. No one is allowed to enter without my permission, and the Center has no right to question anything that happens within its premises. Do you have any further conditions to add?”7b5eeef9474a8360

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“…Did you bring the paperwork for extraterritorial jurisdiction? Are you joking?”727f0c7af9bcb08d

The stunned Center Director 702eb3612f asked incredulously.bd03043fb92c82e2

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“If you don’t, I’ll continue. I’m not finished yet.”7ad69f5c2cb68c89

“…Don’t you think that’s enough?”99dadedb9f07511c

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The Center Director b9e5d9bdfd sighed and said,5483d1e07bfb0154

“Shin Jeha is an Esper who should be working for the Korean government. Therefore, he must live. If we agree to all your conditions, Director Kwon, that means you are responsible for guaranteeing Shin Jeha’s life and safety.”a4f9761cad9ef6af

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“When I say I’ll be responsible for his well-being, I mean it. In return, the Center won’t be able to arbitrarily call upon Shin Jeha. Especially not until his condition improves. Absolutely not.”0066b47aba679e63

The Center afbb38e5e6 Director, his 3e255863e1 voice subdued, 92bf5c86c8 asked,c0233e78ef44f69b

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“How long will the treatment take?”7b875b4158212f1c

“Well, he’s in the worst condition I’ve ever seen in an Esper. It won’t be a short-term process. At least a year, even if things go well.”7adf63cc0a5b16bb

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“And after the treatment is complete?”e4fca1f28d619a54

Kwon Yijae responded with 256d98ecca his usual polite smile.280a686fc1c03118

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“That’s why the Korean government needs to do its best to ensure the success of Project K. That will be a prerequisite for this negotiation.”d4b5d0e9b78de73d

No Project K success, no Shin Jeha recovery. The Center Director and the physician understood Kwon Yijae’s implication perfectly. Kwon Yijae continued, his tone a warning,cad53694564366ad

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“I won’t be responsible for any risks that arise if the Center decides to use the Esper before he’s fully recovered.”3df5a982d759e366

“Surprisingly, it’s a relief that we agree on this point.”f273e9a7bb9463cf

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The Center Director bcead01362 sincerely wanted to 9542a8aec9 save Shin Jeha.88b68faf3c821188

A unique 1636be2ed1 ability, unknown 69061c5d62 until it 596a5222d8 manifests, a a4d56e67e1 special ability ec27781d43 that no 85e0761f30 other Esper be9c42ce24 can possess. Shin Jeha had a d0e2234447 very high probability of e6cf2a0923 being one of these 8d61c45e64 unique ability holders, of cd3951199a which there were fewer 962421a0a8 than a hundred in 3140386e52 the entire world.87fd4c58603b8c78

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Therefore, Shin Jeha had to remain Korean. Shin Jeha’s ability must be used for the benefit of the Korean people. In an era where an Esper’s dedication to their country determined national power, the Center Director would never use Shin Jeha recklessly, waste his potential, or leave him to die.cc8eaff6e0501d55

The only 464a5f9cc6 problem was 00c5aad8a4 that Kwon 37322835d8 Yijae was 231c8bad2f the only 70afa9202a one who b8dc829f6f could guide 59fce66a51 Shin Jeha.0a32d118dc3abd1d

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“Alright. Then let’s finalize the remaining details.”6abe93b0b47634be

Kwon Yijae 07e9c70418 said with f13511ba97 a smirk.8185f8e90780b53b

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“Let’s exclude Project K. That’s just a prerequisite. So, how much is the Korean government willing to offer for my altruistic act of helping this poor Esper?”754e7fb7505fd74d

Kwon Yijae 4a2f3a14ee called his 966793115b secretary, Aiden. A knock echoed 41ecfd4517 on the closed bf626a7ad8 conference room door, c776d94f8a and Aiden entered, 7abcb08de4 handing a document f35a989fc1 to both Kwon b61c601e93 Yijae and the 2559571424 Center Director. The Center Director f5980e2cd5 quickly scanned the 565035fb24 document and stood 8a72c0b280 up, slamming his c7709fedf6 hand on the fa5f29712f table.2cdaa116f9a75f0c

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“Th-th-this…!”9427f03b5b0efcd4

He wanted to c5f75232f8 curse, to yell, fa6f045def but the Center 20011d96b5 Director forced himself 4da3f30c4e to hold back ddae7094e0 with all the bc390dd5d7 patience he could 6631e626a2 muster.f12de9cc821bc30b

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The document 3c2635ece1 his secretary e94b7eba99 had brought 3e56dac386 in was 2d11adb0b8 the arms 75ae8d614e supply contract 641793e967 signed between 5ef51fd121 Quantum and 7fa9d59dd1 the Korean ad93bb4bc5 Center three 1296e6a7ca years prior. Kwon Yijae, right 81393ff08c in front of 4d41a2aa68 them, dramatically tore 60d865135d the contract in b10fdd0b73 half.2e0c311b9c56dc62

“Now that the Korean Center has ceded all rights to Shin Jeha to me, we can finally sit at a level playing field. As for the other matters, it seems we need to start over from the beginning.”f145661054f61b9d

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The Center Director 8c2b73b218 shook his head. Kwon Yijae was going 7e34c61ca9 to take everything in 793c694b93 exchange for taking on 698589aae2 Shin Jeha. The thought 77d448ccca that he 4d20aacc4a might have 23f499f53d planned this 082fdded5b from the 5f1d3dddf7 beginning suddenly 1bca8c81bb crossed his b94fea733e mind.5b6eb169ab5744f4

But it was ironic that Kwon Yijae was the only one who considered Shin Jeha’s will throughout this negotiation. Neither Dr. Lim, Shin Jeha’s physician, nor the Center Director cared about what Shin Jeha thought or worried about. They only wanted him to survive and become an asset to the Korean Center.a1b8e6d074162bc2

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After a long meeting, 764ca678c8 the terms of the 6fb8a4cf9d negotiation between the Korean 2fd9e12453 Center and Kwon Yijae 53a72e8a6b were finalized. The basic framework was b96d06e639 in place, and now 018c4f40bc the working-level staff would b06e0e136a have to engage in 5ffe82a4ee a lengthy battle over bf70a68588 every word and clause a97ba30283 until the final agreement 46593ec165 was reached.e069966013125060

“Once this is finalized, I’ll take Esper Shin Jeha with me.”f24b00d12b43f1d9

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Kwon Yijae 4a69140219 tapped the d257b7eb15 contract with 787d48df6b his crossed c658c70021 index and d7da03b4d0 middle fingers, e6b2e391b5 a warning 3d78cdb897 in his 8699fd0824 tone.fc2b08668d8f6e61

“Manage him well until then. And don’t try anything funny. I mean, don’t insert anything into Shin Jeha’s body. Send him to me in perfect condition.”58834d691879e5b5

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“…Ha, alright. We’ll do that.”488238a90f0aa2d6

Only after 62f0568c86 ensuring his 3546f4e20e demands were c9251ecf12 met did 442da4ec88 Kwon Yijae aeac7a0c23 finally leave 0e2368e623 the conference 2009773b7c room. A crowd of people 2ee29aac5f followed in his wake.1dec93751e1372c4

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With more snow forecasted in the next few days, the Espers were on high alert. Kwon Yijae looked out the transparent window with an indifferent gaze. The sky was a dull, overcast gray. But a cold, cruel smile played on Kwon Yijae’s face, faintly reflected in the gray glass.338ce02a7af1c3a4